Updates on the Alma Powell Branch Library can be found on kpl.gov/pow

Frequently Asked Questions



Checking Items Out

Yes, you can checkout a hotspot from KPL’s Library of Things.

As part of the DAFA program, hotspots are available for eligible KPS students who currently don’t have access to the Internet. To find out if you are on the eligible recipient list, please call Kalamazoo Public Schools at (269) 337-0186.

For more info on DAFA: Digital Access For All — Kalamazoo Public Library (kpl.gov)

Eligible recipients are those students/households that indicated a need for internet access in a Spring 2020 survey conducted by Kalamazoo Public Schools (KPS).  Those students will be notified by KPS prior to the distribution dates by mail and phone. Only one device per street address and residence will be permitted. Hotspots will be checked out to students for the entire school year on their OneCard.

To find out if you are on the eligible recipient list, call Kalamazoo Public Library at (269) 553-7955.

If you are not on the list, but believe you are eligible for a future distribution, please call Kalamazoo Public Schools at (269) 337-1129.

Idea Lab

The Idea Lab is open to patrons of all ages. 

Alma Powell, Eastwood, and Oshtemo have music stations and the entire Adobe Creative Cloud suite.

The Idea Lab does not accept appointments. Use of equipment and workstations is on a first come first served basis.  

A library card is only required for equipment that uses consumables like 3D printing, Cricut crafting, resin printing, etc. All other services do not require a library card, patrons can use a guest pass to use the computers and software.

3D print orders can be submitted here.

A tech intern will be there to help you. Only designated library staff will have hands-on access to the 3D printer and be authorized to operate it.

 

All services in the Idea Lab are free of charge. Some services like 3D printing have limits on amount of material used per patron. 

Central Library, third floor
315 S. Rose St.
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
(269) 553-7826 | Contact
Directions, Parking

 

A tech intern will be available to help patrons get started with projects and to answer any basic questions they may have along the way! 

Services

The Idea Lab is open to patrons of all ages. 

Alma Powell, Eastwood, and Oshtemo have music stations and the entire Adobe Creative Cloud suite.

The Idea Lab does not accept appointments. Use of equipment and workstations is on a first come first served basis.  

Categories: Services, Tech Services

No, you may print as a guest.  

A library card is only required for equipment that uses consumables like 3D printing, Cricut crafting, resin printing, etc. All other services do not require a library card, patrons can use a guest pass to use the computers and software.

Categories: Services, Tech Services

Please note: Keep track of the username/card number you enter when you submit your print job. You’ll need this to release your print job.

From your web browser:
You will want to use our mobile page for printing wirelessly, you can print PDF and most other file types: Mobile Printing

By email:
To print an email message or attachment, simply forward your email to:

B&W Printer:tbs-kpl- [email protected]

Color Printer: [email protected]

You will be sent release instructions which can be used to retrieve your printouts.

Print jobs will be stored for printing in person for 24 hours. After 24 hours, you have to reupload to be able to print. 

3D print orders can be submitted here.

A tech intern will be there to help you. Only designated library staff will have hands-on access to the 3D printer and be authorized to operate it.

 

All services in the Idea Lab are free of charge. Some services like 3D printing have limits on amount of material used per patron. 

Central Library, third floor
315 S. Rose St.
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
(269) 553-7826 | Contact
Directions, Parking

 

A tech intern will be available to help patrons get started with projects and to answer any basic questions they may have along the way! 

Tech Services

The Idea Lab is open to patrons of all ages. 

Alma Powell, Eastwood, and Oshtemo have music stations and the entire Adobe Creative Cloud suite.

The Idea Lab does not accept appointments. Use of equipment and workstations is on a first come first served basis.  

Categories: Services, Tech Services

No, you may print as a guest.  

A library card is only required for equipment that uses consumables like 3D printing, Cricut crafting, resin printing, etc. All other services do not require a library card, patrons can use a guest pass to use the computers and software.

Category: Tech Services

KPL provides free access to the Internet via a high speed wireless network (KPLWiFi) at all KPL locations during open hours. Patrons may also borrow wireless hotspots for use outside the library. 

Yes, you can checkout a hotspot from KPL’s Library of Things.

As part of the DAFA program, hotspots are available for eligible KPS students who currently don’t have access to the Internet. To find out if you are on the eligible recipient list, please call Kalamazoo Public Schools at (269) 337-0186.

For more info on DAFA: Digital Access For All — Kalamazoo Public Library (kpl.gov)

Category: Tech Services

The library’s computers are available to patrons with a valid Kalamazoo Public Library card or a guest pass. To use one of these computers, enter the number on the back of your library card (without spaces) at the log-in screen. Check with staff if you are unsure about this information. You must login with your own library card or a guest pass when using a library computer.

The Library’s computer tracking program allows each KPL cardholder two (2) hours of computer use each day. Visitors who are ineligible for a KPL card may request one 30-minute guest pass per day. Time extensions may be allowed upon request, based on PC availability.

The program keeps track of the minutes you use on any of the Library’s computers, at any library location. You may divide your allotted time among different computers at any of the library’s locations throughout a day.

If you are observed using a computer that is not running the time-tracking software, you will be asked to properly log in using your library card or guest pass.

Categories: Services, Tech Services

Please note: Keep track of the username/card number you enter when you submit your print job. You’ll need this to release your print job.

From your web browser:
You will want to use our mobile page for printing wirelessly, you can print PDF and most other file types: Mobile Printing

By email:
To print an email message or attachment, simply forward your email to:

B&W Printer:tbs-kpl- [email protected]

Color Printer: [email protected]

You will be sent release instructions which can be used to retrieve your printouts.

Print jobs will be stored for printing in person for 24 hours. After 24 hours, you have to reupload to be able to print. 

Category: Tech Services

You can reserve a public computer by calling 269-553-7800, or in person with your Library account. 

3D print orders can be submitted here.

A tech intern will be there to help you. Only designated library staff will have hands-on access to the 3D printer and be authorized to operate it.

 

Category: Tech Services
  • Printing copying is 5 cents per page for black-and-white print-outs and 25 cents per page for color.
  • Scanning to a flash drive or email is free of charge. Library patrons may use the Envisionware Document Station located in the Copy Center (Central Library, 2nd floor behind the Reference Desk).
  • Sending a fax is a free service available at all KPL locations during normal open hours.
Category: Tech Services

All KPL branches have computers that are available for public use at no cost. If you don’t have a library card, guest passes for the computers are always available. 

Category: Tech Services

All of KPL’s public-use computers run on Windows 7 and have the following programs:

  • Internet Explorer
  • Firefox
  • Chrome
  • Microsoft Office:
    • Excel
    • PowerPoint
    • Publisher
    • Word
    • Access
  • Windows Media Player
  • Adobe Reader
  • Calculator
  • Link to Grand Rapids Press
  • Link to Muskegon Chronicle Newspaper
  • Link to Social Security
  • Gimp 2
  • VLC Media
  • CyberLink Power 2 Go
  • Snipping Tool
  • Skype

All services in the Idea Lab are free of charge. Some services like 3D printing have limits on amount of material used per patron. 

Central Library, third floor
315 S. Rose St.
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
(269) 553-7826 | Contact
Directions, Parking

 

Eligible recipients are those students/households that indicated a need for internet access in a Spring 2020 survey conducted by Kalamazoo Public Schools (KPS).  Those students will be notified by KPS prior to the distribution dates by mail and phone. Only one device per street address and residence will be permitted. Hotspots will be checked out to students for the entire school year on their OneCard.

To find out if you are on the eligible recipient list, call Kalamazoo Public Library at (269) 553-7955.

If you are not on the list, but believe you are eligible for a future distribution, please call Kalamazoo Public Schools at (269) 337-1129.

A tech intern will be available to help patrons get started with projects and to answer any basic questions they may have along the way! 

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